The Indian startup Epigamia has launched a range of plant-based yogurt made with coconuts for Indian consumers. With its creamy texture, the company claims the yogurt’s consistency is almost indistinguishable from conventional dairy yogurts.
Just last week, Epigamia’s parent company Drums Food raised INR 40 Cr ($5.27m) in top-up funding from Danone‘s venture capital arm and Mousse Partners. This was part of its ongoing Series C funding round.
Now, Epigamia has made headlines again with the launch of its new coconut milk yogurts. They are available in two flavours — Unsweetened and Coconut Jaggery. They are high in probiotics and free of preservatives. The yogurts were launched on June 12 and are available from the brand’s online store.
By launching the coconut milk yogurts, Epigamia aims to reduce its impact on the environment. And it’s not just the yogurts that are more sustainable than conventional dairy products — the packaging is too. By collaborating with waste management company Recykal, Epigamia is helping to recover and recycle more plastic packaging than it uses for its products. The startup has also recently appointed environmental advisor Dr. Awkash Kumar to help it reduce its carbon footprint.
“Sustainable eating is an immense opportunity in a world of climate change and pandemics,” says Dhruvi Narsaria, Corporate Engagement Specialist at the Good Food Institute in India. “We’re excited to see Epigamia’s new launch deliver plant-based options, and are hugely optimistic about the future of food in India.”
Demand for plant-based foods is soaring worldwide, and India is no exception. In recent years, plant-based milks, cruelty-free shoes, and even vegan restaurant chains have taken off in the country, which has a centuries-old history of vegetarianism. Market research has shown a huge demand for healthy, convenient foods among Indian consumers, indicating a gap in the market for more plant-based products.
“We are super excited about this new launch and yogurts are only the first in a line of many plant-based products we are slated to launch,” says Rohan Mirchandani, Co-Founder and CEO of Epigamia.
